Month: March 2016

April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day and for 2016, Autism Help Foundation is celebrating in style. It will start with us partnering the Autism Ambassadors of Ghana and other schools and associations in Accra on Saturday April 2, 2016
Then the Autism Help Foundation will move Yendi with Kampakuya Naa Abdulai Yakubu Andani to raise awareness of autism on the same April 2, 2016.
We move in Wa the same day raising awareness with the Wa School for the Deaf.

Before Poku arrived in front of King Gyaas, Catcher told all the first cat family members present

“I think we must find a way of not antagonizing them further to flee. Let’s find a way of making them understand that things will change and get them to settle in comfortably. Then we can appoint the heads of all the species which are important in the kingdom to some positions. This way, they will let their guards down as we, through their heads get what we want.”

Crude was shocked at the thought of Catcher. All the others looked on like they’ve been struck by a positive lightening which has caused them to see clearly.

“You are not called Catcher for anything. You really are the best thinker this kingdom has seen”

King Gyaas commended.

“Now Poku, find a way of announcing to the whole kingdom that we are in for a fresh start. The gods of our land have embraced a new god which forces them to force us to live in harmony as herbivores. Make them understand that they are their own bosses and will not have any interference from us anymore. All they will get is our directions and goodwill.”

Poku fled with some of his men and added Dog Servio to do the work of the kingdom crier.

“Wow o wo! Wow o wo! Let all kingdom heads put their ears to the ground and hear the heartbeat of the king! He is the only king who truly thinks about his subjects. King Gyaas has seen a new god through our many gods! They call for harmony among all Kingdomers! They have warned that we live like equals or the skies will bring the knife of thunder to slash all murderers! King Gyaas loves all and calls for all Kingdomers to feel comfortable enough to settle in. The first cat family will make sure all are safe! Wo wo o wo! Stop hiding and come home! Home is where your colour blends! No foreign leaf can agree with your intestines like our own! Come home oh wo! All heads of differing animals will ascend thrones to fight for their own in a free parliament o wo!!!”

The animals who were hiding in trees, underground, in deep waters began to murmur among themselves.

“Is this true? Is this not a trap? Let’s be careful o! I think they cannot lie on the gods of the land! Who could this new god be? Maybe second chance is all the first cat family needs”

The hiding animals came out of their hiding and settled in.

The first parliament took place five days after calm returned to the kingdom. All heads of various animals represented. They realised they could not do anything because everyone was eager to talk. King Gyaas had decided not to take part of the parliament but will follow everything they say. Cruiser suggested they vote for a head of the parliament who will chair all occasions so as to bring some kind or order. All the animals agreed but did not nod for Cruiser. They nodded for the head of cows, Quintin.

Cruiser realised he was just not likeable. He had thought they did not give him the nod at first because of his size but Quintin was also big enough. He let it go with as he knew the sense of loss wanes with time. They decided to call themselves Kingdom Reps

“Hello all kingdom reps!”

All of them covered their ears. It was the head of Guinea fowls.

“I know I have a pitchy voice, but in the name of equality and Kingdom Rephood, please don’t make it too obvious. It is amazing how we cry for equality but look down on others who are unique than us. Anyway, I am glad to be part of this parliament. The first thing I need us to discuss is the way to keep the trees safe for boarding…”

Just then, Fowl Crystal cut in

“The trees? What about the land? The land is also a place for some of us to board.”

Shut up both of you! Rat Reuben said

“Underground is the most important place to talk about. Animals who live there suffer a lot when the sun sits on its throne and when the rains angrily flood, we suffer more. Aren’t we supposed to talk about how to make the underground better?”

Corrector the Parrot chipped in

“I don’t know about the sky, land and underground but are we not supposed to use formal language? Reuben, this is a noble house. How can you say “aren’t here?”

Almost all the reps nodded. Then Corrector continued.

“I think we should put all the betterment on hold until we get we set rules to govern this noble house”

Almost all the animals forgot about the previous discussions as they debated and debated about the rules fit to govern the house.

“No pitchy voice to be used to an echo level” Warthog West hid to say

“No croaky voice to be used above to an echo level” Guinea Fowl fired”

“No heavy legs must be moved more than four times in the house” Dee the Lizard said

“No unnecessary nodding should be seen in the house” Cruiser fired at Dee

All the time, Servio sat there breathing with his tongue out as though his life depends on it. His ears standing like very obedient soldiers on duty.

“Mooooooo” Quintin silenced

“The sun has travelled beyond its peak. We need to go back to our people. The parliament will now adjourn to the next five days.”

That evening, Necky the Giraffe head had a royal visitor. King Gyaas sat in front of his house.

“Dear Necky, they say when the heavens visit the earth, then there sure is the need. I am very ashamed to sit before you like this. I have a very peculiar problem. My little son is dying of blood thirst. I am not affected by the herbs we are taking but that little royal soul is dying because his system cannot digest the grass. Please, you know how difficult it is for our kind to procreate. Save my young one”

“How?” Necky queried

“Gift me one of your kind. Its mother does not need to know. All you need to do is to get it for me and I will make sure you get access to water for two weeks…

Like seeds We need rain Sunlight and air To bond with soil In order to grow

II Like young plants We need your clearance Your guidance for endurance Your protection from legs and winds To grow in thickness to fruition

III Like fruiting plants We need your protection From birds and pests To keep our seeds To feed and plant

IV Give us your waters If the rains fail to fall Give us your light When the sun hides in the clouds Fan our roots and leaves If the air dines with sleep We are the chariots of replacements The heads for the thrones The minds for the wheeling of life to weed all chaos We are the fingers for the pens The smooth tongues To grace all ears We are the seers with blessed hands Blessed hands for tilling We are the visions We are the bosoms Which will beat to scare And embrace in welcome We are the flights We are the legs, which will take Ghana there There Into the future Where your futures’ futures lie to be awaken By our magic breaths Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

(As part of the International Women’s Day, I composed this poem to congratulate all women. No matter where you are, no matter who you are, no matter what you are going through, no matter your status, Happy International Women’s Day! Be the queens you are and rock your worlds. You are special and nobody can take that from you. Enjoy this piece.)

Porcupine Poku was the chief of the porcupine soldiers. He was a gallant animal with lots of spears to throw. Skilled in armoury, the entire animal kingdom feared him. Coupled with the fact that he commanded great respect among his own people and could move all the porcupines, no animal dared look him twice in the face let alone try to disrespect him. Cruiser elephant saw that no matter what happened, he had to say something in order to let the ruling king know that the land did not belong to him. He raised his trunk, occasionally stealing glances at Porcupine Poku to the dismay of all the animals. King Gyaas first looked surprised, then looked around and nodded for him to talk.

“King Gyaas, we know you are the king. A king who promised to make us all equal. I believed you when you said you would resort to chewing grass because even a huge animal like me lives on grass. Now you sit on a higher ground, watching our pates and saying we should present one of our kinds to you. Is that not a breach of promise?”

All the animals were touched but afraid for the life of Cruiser. For minutes on end, King Gyaas looked at Cruiser with no readable countenance. Then he suddenly burst out laughing.

“Cruiser, I know what I said but living the talk and talking the living are two different things. The sky is a vast unreachable land. One that no one can reach. Even Eagle was not able to reach the sky to fetch the rains. Now ask this, how is a wingless lion striving to make his land better supposed to reach those lands to fetch the rains which are hiding far beyond the fire sun? If I am to get the strength to think, to get the strength to climb trees, to get the strength to consult the gods of the sun, I need strength. You know the God who created us failed in granting us equality. I love the taste of blood no matter how small you see me to be, you love the taste of leaves although you are big and pigs love the taste of dirt although they have very fair skin. Who are we to blame for these taste buds? Who is to blame for the differences in animals? If the one who created it failed to bring fairness of lives, why do you try to let me lose favour with the ones I am working hard to save? Look at their faces, don’t they look thin to you? If sacrificing one of their kinds to me will eventually help me gain the strength to think and solve the problems of the land, why do you speak as though I am a monster trying to destroy them?

I have the strength to catch any animal and do with it as I please. Why did I call this meeting? It is out of respect, out of love, out of brotherliness, out of duty!!! So my brethren, listen not to the rants of Cruiser, one who covets the fact that I have your mandate and let us do what is right.”

Most of the animals, especially those in the cat family, clapped for King Gyaas. Others were confused as to what is going on. Cruiser did not know what to say. He was surprised to see faces metamorphose from support to hatred. King Gyaas stood there watching with satisfaction on his face. Cruiser left the parade followed by his wife and child.

“Thank you very much Gyaasmaniacs! I know we will go places with time. We will beat this famine and drought that refuses to leave our land! We will shame hunger and shame thirst! We will kill tears and gain riches! Just struggle for a little while, let’s drink in the air to wait for the sweat of the sky. I promise I will put your donations to great use. I will gain more skin to cover up, more fur to adorn this neck, and when the body is fit, I will face the sun squarely. May the gods watch over us! May God Bless us all!!”

King Gyaas left amidst the cheers and merry making.

Formida was a very quiet ant who lived on the respect of all those he lived with. His greatest virtue was his silence. He watched what had happened in Jungle Kingdom and could not believe his eyes and ears. What had happened to the reasoning of the animals? Are they giving in to the ridiculous request by the blood thirsty king? Formida could barely breathe.

“Well, they will wake up when the time comes for them to select their loved ones for the teeth of their king. What do I care? As long as I stay out of the reach of his legs, I am safe. No family member of mine is affected because we do not fall within their taste bud games”

Formida said in his head and headed off.

A week later, King Gyaas sat on his hind legs, and stood on his fore legs surrounded by his family. Many lions were there to show their support but their faces spoke volumes of their expectations. It got to midday and no animal had brought his token. Not even the stinking pigs. So he sent his porcupine warriors to go to their houses and bring their family heads to the palace. When the porcupines went, all the houses were intact but no animal soul could be smelt nearby. The only animals they could see were the birds who flew so far up upon seeing them. So the porcupines went to report this to their king. King Gyaas roared, roared and roared like a beast who has felt the fires of hell as his children and the children of his family members roared with him in hunger.

Where could they have gone? They couldn’t have gone far, Jupi, Gyaas’ wife asked. Catcher, Gyaas’ sister roared louder than Gyaas to stop him in his track.

“I told you to let us hunt secretly for the game. You refused. It was perfect when they thought we were eating grass. They were careless and so many animals could be caught at a go. And no matter how many of them went missing, they never felt like hiding from us. Now look! You decided to make a pact with our game, pact with our food! Who does not fear death? In this world, who will stand to see the death of his dear one or himself? You don’t listen to any advice! You think you are the almighty just because you got their nods to be king? Now we will all suffer. Struggling to gain the love of your food is simply ridiculous! We are carnivores, born carnivores and will die as carnivores. It is not a sin to hunt, God himself made us so but you want to behave like a hypocrite. Only those beyond the boarders do that! Pleading to their game before eating them. Why should I do that? Eating is eating no matter how the food was gotten and telling someone you will eat the person is more cruel than not telling him or her. We will all starve!”

Gyaas looked at her and looked down. He had lost the zeal to argue. He fell on all fours and hid his face.

Crude, his younger brother, roared and glared at his sister.

“King Gyaas get up! No matter what Catcher says, you are the king of Jungle Kingdom. We live to learn from our experiences. What has happened has happened. Now we just need to find a solution and move forward. The fact that their properties are all in their houses shows they are around but in hiding. What we need to do is to find a way of getting them out of their hiding places. Besides, is it easy to cross our boarders? You need someone from the out-lands in order to move from here or you will be crushed even before you reach their boundary. That desert from our boundary to theirs is a place many dare to live but risk dying before their times. I always felt bad because they could come here any time they wanted but made such a fuss when we wanted to go there. Not any more. Their restrictions are our keys to find ways of getting through to those idiots. So get out of the clothes of sadness and let’s find a way to hunt them down. Let’s hunt!”

King Gyaas saw the wisdom in what Crude said, stood up and called out:

II Kojo Dzakpasu agbadza dances Whenever he me sees in his chances He, his muscles enhances As he my face glances Warning all to watch their stances Behaving like a dog which prances

III Bra Ayittey says he me loves For I am like a Dove of doves He promises to wear all gloves And swears to kill by all living Joves If any ant steps around his Dove of doves

IV Mba Alhassan says he is tall And will always catch my fall All I need is to heed his whistle call When the night teases evening to be dull

V They watch my face Whenever and pace Each watches my chest Like a hunting pest When I turn my back Their mouths, they smack When my legs are bare Their sticks stand square What queer spirit they have To make them show such starve In another’s farm One who can forever seek their harm! Amoafowaa Sefa Cecilia (c) 2016

Writers Project of Ghana proudly presents the second reading for 2016, featuring Nigerian lawyer and writer Elnathan John. This event is scheduled for Saturday 5th March 2016 from 4.30 PM at Vidya Bookstore, Osu.

You are cordially invited to join us for the reading. Admittance is free of cost.

The Savannah Accelerated Development Authority (SADA) arranged with the Ghana Trade Fair Authority to host the 20th edition of the fair in Tamale at the Tamale Sports Stadium. The fair is on the theme “Two Decades of International Trade Fairs in Ghana: Exploring Business Opportunities in the SADA Zone of Ghana”, seek to harness the vast investment potentials in the Savannah Ecological Zone. The fair started from February 25, 2016 and will end on March 7, 2016. Amoafowaa passed by on March 29, 2016 and with the help of Wofa Kojo Kwarteng captured sheds which caught her attention and asked those available about their businesses.

This is Vision Farms started by Mr. Alhassan Bafara Ibrahim. They own over 20,000 birds and train communities for poverty reduction through rearing. So they register, train those interested in basic handling of the birds. They then supply them with 10 birds. As they grow, they take 30% of the proceeds. They can be contacted on +233205356509.

This is the Baaru and Sons Xylophone Learning Centre which is located in Laura led by Samuel Saaku Baaru. They teach how to play and manufacture xylophones. They also sell and export mostly to Argentina. You can call them on +233208917027.

The B-diet Tom Brown started on large scale in November but prior to that, it was just just produced for home consumption and sharing to the needy. The interest of people inspired the large scale production. The CEO, Mr. Charles Atia said he had thought of a way of earning income, creating job opportunities for the youth and helping in the reduction of high incidence of malnutrition in the north. As part of the third objective, he tried to make it affordable so that people with low income can afford it as they have the high risk of having malnourished children. To be able to reach these people, they go round to meet the people to talk to them and encourage them to buy some for their household as a substitute for porridge which is mainly carbohydrate. B-Diet Tom Brown has Fonio, soya beans, ground nuts and yellow maize which are nutritious cereals and legumes. Currently, there are young people who come for the product to sell for income and are saving to be able to pay their school fees. Their contact +233201658401.

This is the Jamilullah Farms is owned by the pretty Ruka Yaro. She owns close to a thousand birds. Her farms is in Tamale. Her contact is +233244128734.

Many smock sheds abound at the fair.

Little Beginnings is a Trust Foundation whose president is Ms. Priscilla Akoto Bamfo. She started by visiting orphanages, that is, the Osu Children’s Home in Accra, Nhyonni Children’s Home in Tamale to play with them and teach them the fun ways of learning. Nowit is opened as a reading centre for children from Kindergarten to class six on Saturdays from 8am to 12pm . Their main objective is to inculcate values in children using books and stories as a tool with the hope that they will practice in growth.

Might fm, 90.5 Mhz also has a shed at the fair. According to the Accounts Manager, it is to showcase their ability as a renowned broadcasting house. It is also an assemblage of potential media partners and also it is the opportunity to meet and profile themselves to see the possibility of coming together to work. Their contact is +233208222060

All these products are made in Ghana. The clothes, sandals, beads. Craft is something that Ghanaians are blessed with.

Vek Jah Enterprise’s products include pure honey from Damongo, and Pure Groundnut Paste and Jomi (she explained that Jomi is derived from fire- “ejo” and oil- “emi” in effect, Jomi means oil from fire). They can be found in Northern Ghana, Tamale. Their contact is +233208293782

Blessed Elinam Enterprise makes clothes, bags, tie and dye, Madam Elinam says she does all these by herself and is looking for investors to produce on large scale. Her contact is +233244592018.

Students of Tamale Polytechnic represents showcasing various crafts which are such delight to watch. This particular one is a water fountain made by a student called Shiraz Abdul Razak. What is in the earthenware is a pump which pumps the water up and down. He is looking to produce on large scale when he gets an investor. He can be contacted on +233240399926.

These were made by two female students; Ahmed Zainab and Asantewaa Appiah Irene who graduated on 2015 from the Tamale Polytechnic.

This is an electrical solar amplifier made by Alhassan Abdul Jalilu who needs investors to perfect it. I must say it was very clear and its loudness is in tune with international standards. He can be contacted on +233245735715

This is a bamboo bicycle made by a student of Tamale Polytechnic

The photographer for the day Wofa Kofi Kwarteng took a ride to test it, and it worked perfectly. Auxano makes pomade from shea butter.

Some noticeable art

Amoafowaa on the xylophone

Cool locally made soya milk. Was very tasty.

This is Awontiirim Calabash and Wood Art. According to the sales woman, it is a family business which was started by their grandfather but perfected by their uncle. Now everyone in the family does it. Their contact is +233242068626.

There were many sheds which amoafowaa could not cover because of time.